The 3-day Rerun which commences at Wangaratta in NE Victoria, will take participants over the last 850 kilometres of the event through the rugged Australian Alps, finishing at Nowra (NSW) at the end of the last competitive section of that iconic event.
The original London to Sydney Marathon was the fastest, most difficult and best-remembered trans-continental long distance event that the world has ever seen, and was won by Scotsman Andrew Cowan and his crew in a Hillman Hunter. They collected £10,000 in prizemoney by beating home the cream of Australian and European rally drivers, snatching their victory from the jaws of defeat just 100 miles (160km) from the finish in Sydney when event leader, Lucien Bianchi, crashed out.
There have been more stories told, more articles written, and more books printed about this event than any car trial or rally since, and it is estimated that more than 60 million people turned out to watch the 98-strong field as it passed through 11 different countries in three continents after leaving the start at London’s Crystal Palace in November 1968.
Although there have been a number of London-Sydney rallies since that time, none can hold a candle to the first one. Travelling the 10,000 miles (16,000km) to Sydney was a huge adventure 40 years ago, and while the European sections were expected to be difficult, it was widely acknowledged that the Australian section from Perth to Sydney was the one which would decide a winner. And so it did, in the Australian Alps between Wangaratta and Nowra. This was by far the most difficult part of the Australian route and one which will be remembered by surviving crews after all these years.
Now you have the chance to experience what these courageous crews experienced in 1968, by using most of the original roads on that challenging route. High up in the Australian Alps, we pass through some spectacular and little-known country that will amaze you as you realise that competitors raced through these forest roads in the dead of night in an attempt to be first to the finish.
The route to be used will follow that 1968 route where possible, using the original route instructions, and where that route is no longer a challenge due to roads being upgraded or sealed, the Re-Run will use the 1993 route which is equally as challenging.
The whole tour will take three days, with two overnight stops in 2008-style accommodation, and will travel in a 20-vehicle convoy through some awesome country. But you’ll need to be quick – just four places remain. No special vehicles or special preparation is required as the Re-run will be a ‘tag-along’ tour running in convoy. Any roadworthy vehicle with reasonable ground clearance is suitable
If you would like to be part of this Re-Run or want more information, you should fill out the MORE INFO FORM and we will send you an Expression of Interest form. You can then send it with a refundable deposit of $100 to RallySport Promotions to secure your spot in the tour.
Or you can phone RallySport Promotions on (03) 5722 1250. The best part is that the total tour cost will be $300, however your food, fuel and accommodation will be at your expense.
Your tour guides will be well known rallying figures, Jeff and Peter Whitten, so you know that you will be in good hands all the way.
Don’t miss out on this special 40th Anniversary LSM Re-Run and relive what competitors experienced in 1968 (albeit at a much less-hectic pace).
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